Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden
Joe BidenFear of insider attack prompts additional FBI screening of National Guard troops: AP Iran convicts American businessman on spying charge: report DC, state capitals see few issues, heavy security amid protest worries MORE and CNN's Anderson Cooper on Thursday were mocked on social media after a former producer at the network flagged that the two men moved closer to each other, breaking social distancing guidelines, as the network went to a commercial break during a town hall event.
“Joe Biden and Anderson Cooper are making a point of social distancing during the CNN Town Hall while on the stage. But when they think they've gone to commercial break, they get so close to each other that Biden is whispering in Cooper's ear,” wrote former CNN senior digital producer Steve Krakauer in a tweet that included video.
Joe Biden and Anderson Cooper are making a point of social distancing during the CNN Town Hall while on the stage.
— Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) September 18, 2020
But when they think they’ve gone to commercial break, they get so close to each other that Biden is whispering in Cooper’s ear: pic.twitter.com/ClZXrxFfSo
The tweet came after Cooper informed viewers at the top of the program that he would keep his distance from Biden in following coronavirus guidelines.
"As you can see, I’m not wearing a mask tonight. I tested negative for coronavirus this morning. Still, I’ll be keeping my distance, as will all of the participants in tonight's town hall who are here," Cooper said at the top of the drive-in town hall from Moosic, Pa.
The Biden-Cooper close exchange quickly drew reactions, mostly from conservatives, on social media.
Social distancing only when the cameras are rolling
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 18, 2020
pic.twitter.com/AuDIWuH1YS
Where's the outdoor government court to issue them a fine???https://t.co/bWl2VmbogC
— Elizabeth Harrington (@LizRNC) September 18, 2020
Just like Nancy Pelosi
— Marc Lotter - Text TRUMP to 88022 (@marc_lotter) September 18, 2020Nancy PelosiCowboys for Trump founder arrested following Capitol riot Retired Army general: 'We can't have demonstrators showing up at a state Capitol with damn long guns' Graham calls on Schumer to hold vote to dismiss article of impeachment against Trump MORE breaking the rules at the hair salon, radical Democrats are all about rules for thee - not for me. https://t.co/B7kEQsllrb
LOL! @CNN, @AC360, and @JoeBiden are pretend practicing social distancing at tonight’s #CNNTownHall, but watch what happens when they think the cameras are off and you can’t see them anymore!
— Reagan Battalion (@ReaganBattalion) September 18, 2020
Frauds! pic.twitter.com/eGeiJHonic
The former vice president took questions from voters in a parking lot in what the network called a "drive-in town hall."
The event came two days after President Trump
Donald TrumpIran convicts American businessman on spying charge: report DC, state capitals see few issues, heavy security amid protest worries Pardon-seekers have paid Trump allies tens of thousands to lobby president: NYT MORE held a town hall on ABC. Biden and Trump are set to square off for the first presidential debate on Sept. 29 in Cleveland.
Ratings for the CNN Biden Town Hall will be available Friday afternoon.
